As various hip-hop artists emerge from their thrones of success, claims of “thievery” and “biting” are running rapid. From T-Pain to Mary J. Blige, it's time to set the record straight as to who should really be paying for artistry rip-offs!
Jay-Z Owes Tupac
Although many hate to admit it, Jay-Z has summoned the spirit of rap icon Tupac, more times than none in his raps. From his duet with Beyonce on “Bonnie and Clyde,” to his art of storytelling, Jay-Z has changed up his style in accordance with the season. Even so, Jay still needs to pay!
JaRule Owes DMX
Growls and grunts on a rap album became DMX’s signature sound. Yet, when JaRule stepped on the scene, sounding and looking like his much weaker alter-ego, the check should have been cut then. Pay up!
Ashanti Owes Beyonce’
After leaving the Murder Inc. record label, the self-proclaimed “Princess of R&B” released her music video for “The Way That I Love You,” showcasing her new “big hair” and glamour girl dresses. The music video, (much like Beyonce’s “Ring the Alarm”) was a woman-scorned anthem that showed a new sassy and dangerous side of Ashanti. Yes, it is time to pay up (not that Beyonce’ really needs it)!
Bow-Wow Owes T.I.
In this case, the thievery is not so much about rap skills, but stolen identity. Ever since Bow-Wow’s bird chest grew a pectoral muscle, he has changed how he talks, walks and acts. A preview of this identity crisis was shown on his brief reality show with Omarion from B2K. Bow-Wow is suddenly talking with a southern drawl and using lingo from T.I.’s rap songs, in a pathetic attempt to mimic the “King of the South.” Sorry, you can’t steal swagger! Pay up!
Ciara Owes Aaliyah
Since first hitting the scene in 2004, Cici has played the sexy "girl-next-door" role.
Combine a soft singing voice over hard beats, sexy dance moves and an athletic body, and you have an amateur version of R&B’s sweetheart, Aaliyah. Even though Cici is taking more risks by bearing it all in Vibe, it's still time to pay up!
Keyshia Cole Owes Mary J. Blige
The "around-the-way" girl with the church voice, can be a description fitting for both of these soulful sisters. However, when Keyshia dyed her hair blond, that was the last straw. We love you, but pay up!
T-Pain Owes Wendy Carlos, Robert Moog, Jeff Lynn, Midnight Star…
No matter how you try to spin it, T-Pain is not the originator of the Vocoder/Auto-tune usage in music. The Vocoder was first used in the early 70's by artists Wendy Carlos and Robert Moog, who used it to sing the vocal part of Bethoven’s “Ninth Symphony.” Disco artist Jeff Lynn and a host of others picked it up from there. Sheesh.., looks like T-Pain may be paying for the rest of his life!
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